Bloomington downtown near full occupancy

Last year, Bloomington’s downtown netted 18 new businesses, with 25 businesses opening and seven closing, according to The Herald Times, citing a report issued by Bloomington Downtown Inc. The report also said eight companies expanded and 12 buildings were renovated.

Downtown commercial space is 95-percent occupied, the report said.

The positive numbers from 2007 continue 25 years of growth. Over the last quarter century, downtown Bloomington has gained 175 businesses and 45 companies have expanded. Nearly 200 buildings have been renovated.

Businesses are drawn by nearby Indiana University, and developers are maintaining the historical look of the structures while introducing a diverse mix of retail and other types of businesses.